GNC Offers Innovative New Products, Nutritional Support for Low-Carb Dieters

General Nutrition Companies, Inc. | Apr 28, 2004

PITTSBURGH, Apr 29, 2004 -- General Nutrition Centers, Inc. (GNC), the nation's largest specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, today announced that it is adding several innovative new Atkins products to its industry leading low-carb offering. The new Atkins products at GNC will include two Advantage(TM) granola bars (Wild Berry and Golden Oat), and several new Endulge(TM) products, including Milk Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Crisp bars. These advanced nutrition products combine with over 300 additional products and nutritional supplements to clearly establish GNC as the premier retail destination for low-carb dieters. Recent research indicates that 8.75% of the U.S. population is currently following the Atkins Nutritional Approach, which ties in well with GNC's long history of providing support and products for low-carb dieters.

"GNC is a pioneer in the low-carb business, having first added Atkins products to our stores back in 1997," said Margaret Peet, Senior Vice President and National Sales Director, GNC. "Our low-carb offering has expanded to the point where we essentially have a specialized low-carb store within every GNC. We offer the latest products from the leading vendors, including Atkins, Keto and EAS, and are also very aware of the nutritional needs of low-carb and other dieters, with a trained staff and line of supplements to meet these needs."

GNC trains the staff at their approximately 5,000 retail locations to help them assist customers in selecting appropriate dietary products, multivitamins and nutritional supplements.

"Our customers have a lot of questions on low-carb and other popular diet products and plans," said Tom Dowd, GNC's Senior Vice President of Stores. "Our staff is trained to support customers with information and answers to their diet and supplementation questions."

GNC also recently announced aggressive discounts on products for low-carb dieters in May and June. Some of the most popular products will be up to 30% off during the promotional period, which begins May 8.

GNC, based in Pittsburgh, PA, is the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional supplements, which includes vitamin, mineral and herbal supplements, sports nutrition products, diet and energy products, specialty supplements and products and supplements for low-carb lifestyles. GNC operates more than 5,000 retail locations throughout the United States, including over 1,300 domestic franchise locations, and locations in 35 foreign markets including Canada and Mexico.